Police Clash with Protesters in Tbilisi as Violence Erupts Outside Parliament

Protests in Tbilisi Escalate

Police in Tbilisi began dispersing protesters outside parliament using water cannons and rubber bullets, according to Mtavari news. The Ministry of Internal Affairs stated the protests took a "completely violent nature."

Protesters threw fireworks at the legislative building. They also used stones and various objects to damage windows in the parliament’s front and side facades. Burning objects were thrown at the building, causing fires in several rooms, which have since been extinguished. One policeman suffered burns during the unrest.

Special police forces were mobilized in the capital. Demonstrators against the halt of Georgia’s European integration attempted to erect barricades on Rustaveli Avenue. Those who withdrew from the parliament building continued to throw objects and shoot fireworks at police forces.

The special police maintained their positions after pushing back demonstrators from the area in front of parliament. Dozens of ambulance teams were stationed on Rustaveli Avenue, with medical staff periodically rushing to assist both protesters and the police.

Protesters escalated their actions by throwing bottles, eggs, and fireworks at law enforcement.